Art Galleries in Wilmington, NC

“Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts is located inside the upper level of the shops of the Cotton Exchange. The Cotton Exchange businesses validate parking for their parking lot. Eight interconnected buildings make up the Cotton Exchange complex and were once home to one of the largest and busiest cotton-exporting companies in the world.

Port City Pottery operates as a wonderful art co-op, opening 15 years ago as the first gallery in Wilmington dedicated exclusively to local, handmade crafts by jury-selected North Carolinian artisans. There are currently around 25 artisans in the co-op, and they take turns working the shop floor on different days. The gallery is filled with an incredible variety of high-quality mediums—everything from pottery, glass, and textiles to wood, jewelry, and creative metalwork.

This was not the best place for me to spot and wander inside, as I always find at least one thing that needs to come home with me. Usually, the stained glass pulls me in, but I had just gotten a few new pieces in the High Country. The metal was so creative, and that is where I spent most of my time trying to decide which one I would purchase.

Recycled art is fun, with scraps of metal being turned into something new. I ended up with the mouse, as I do have a lot of other metal pieces, but not a mouse. With my purchase, I also got a card about the artist, Randy Chapman, and my mouse was nicely wrapped for the journey home. I prefer this type of souvenir to the mass-produced type. I left with something unique to remember my visit.

I will be back in Wilmington in October, so I am wondering what I will be drawn to on that visit.”

“Devon was fantastic for my first tattoo experience. She explained every part of the process so I knew what to expect and took her time to make sure I was comfortable. Her work is amazing - I got a fine line outline of my dog's ears, the lines are so clean and it is an EXACT replica. I'm so impressed and very highly recommend. Thank you Devon!”

“I can't recommend Brooke Sombati enough! She had the vision and skill to turn the disappointing tat I'd gotten elsewhere into one that I now love. Brooke is talented, friendly, patient, and a great communicator. The shop is very cool and fun to spend time in. I will definitely be back!”

“Eclipse is a treat to the senses! So many colors, textures and mediums. I always gravitate to the Marilyn Grizzard pieces and yesterday I finally brought one home. My beach town wall is expanding with “Nell” now in the middle.
Thank you Eclipse for top notch service and for always handling the works with such care.”

“Nice Gallery & very welcoming.
NICE Work to view!
Mostly Local Artists , plenty of parking & the have a classroom for 8 or 10 students...
Enjoyed our visit!
KC Costello”

“My husband and I visit this gallery very regularly. Everything here is by local NC artisans. There are a variety of different items available from beautiful prints to jewelry and kitchen items. Mike and Ally, the couple who runs it are incredibly warm and welcoming and if you're lucky you'll also meet their dog Meatball. Like most Downtown establishments they are dog friendly.”

“While they have scheduled events each week and month, I called for an appointment to tour the studio. Very pleasantly surprised at the depth and breadth of the talent that work out of there. There are folks there that specialize in, brass sculptures, oil and watercolors, an illustrator, metal art and more. Quite an eclectic and engaging mix of artists. Spoke briefly with a few of the ones at work at the time and they were all interesting and pleasant. Many do give lessons to the public. It is a large studio with probably a dozen different artists there. My daughter and I had visited the Cameron Art Museum the day before which was nice, but I saw many more eye catching works of inspiration here at the studios. If you are into art - give them a call and set up a visit. It will be well worth your time.”

“My husband and I attended the fourth Friday event. Professional, knowledgeable and friendly staff , lots of interesting people, featured artist was present and accessible. Local and regional artists’ work is displayed! Whether you are a seasoned purchaser of art or interested in learning, New Elements is a fabulous gallery to visit.”

“Azalea Antiques is a very pleasant antique shop and on my list of “best” antique shops that I’ve been to. Great selection, pleasant lay out, clean and comfortable. Filled with great finds and the staff is super friendly and high vibration. It’s a nice antique shop and they allow you to take your time and they have a rest room which has lately become quite rare … so we basically just shop here when we are in town, and we always find gems!”

“My first trip to this unique gallery in Wilmington was today. I was very impressed by the space, the amount of working Artist Studios, the moveable Gallery walls and the overall aesthetic of the Building. The owners, Jim and Betsy have created a very unique and artful space for their Artist and Visitors!!”

“Stepping into Barouke felt like stepping back in time in the best way. The store instantly brought back memories, and every piece on display is truly beautiful. The craftsmanship is exceptional, with so much care and artistry evident in the details. The staff were incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely friendly, happy to share the stories behind the work. I could have easily spent hours just wandering the shop, taking everything in and appreciating the skill and passion that goes into each piece. A truly special place.”